Make Me An Instrument of Your Peace

Last Sunday we lit the first candle of advent - the candle of hope.

Today, we will light the 2nd candle of advent - the candle of peace.

 

Christmas time reminds us that Jesus is called “The Prince of Peace."  At Jesus’ birth , the angels sang, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth, PEACE and good will to humanity."

We light the candle of peace, even though we  know that peace is illusive and in some parts of the world, completely absent.  But, though  there is war and discord - between countries, in families, even in our hearts sometimes , God is leading us into new possibilities. 

 

Colossians 3:15 - “Let the PEACE of CHRIST rule in your hearts since as members of one body  you were called to peace.

The peace of our world starts with peace in our heart.  The peace of God which passes all understanding.  A peace that can calm our fears, quiet our lives, dispel our desperation.

As we wait with great anticipation for the 2nd advent, when the Prince of Peace will return, His peace is already with us, as His Spirit lives within us. 

 

The prayer of St. Francis of Assisi shows what we need to ask for to bring peace into the world:

 

“Lord, make ME an instrument of your peace,

Where there is hatred, let me sow love.

Where there is injury - pardon.

Where there is doubt - faith .

Where there is despair - hope.

Where there is sadness - joy.

Where there is darkness - light .

 

Grant that I may not seek so much to be consoled as to console.

To be understood, as to understand.

To be loved, as to love.

For it is in giving that we receive,

In pardoning that we are pardoned,

And in dying that we are born to eternal life.

 

As we wait with great anticipation for the day when The Prince of Peace will return, we light the second advent candle, accepting the challenge to seek peace , and to pursue it , right here where we live.  Because the Prince of Peace lives in our hearts.